The Recovery Biologist advances the Tennessee Aquarium’s mission by championing freshwater conservation science, leading field studies, managing relationships with partners on key projects, and coordinating research initiatives for aquatic conservation projects in the southeastern United States. The Recovery Biologist will conduct field surveys and ecological studies of rare aquatic species to determine conservation status, collaborate on animal health and welfare initiatives, and conduct IBI assessments to measure stream community health. The Recovery Biologist will work collaboratively on grant teams to prepare grant proposals and reports in support of Aquarium research activities. The Recovery Biologist will record, compile, and report field data for grant reports, state and federal permits, contracts, and publications. The Recovery Biologist will coordinate on-site research projects with external researchers using Aquarium facilities and will supervise seasonal field technicians and conservation fellows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides essential leadership for daily operations of the Aquarium’s conservation science projects in aquatic ecology, population genetics, and conservation status surveys by leading field crews, managing data and equipment, and supervising permitting and reporting.
• Manages relationships with conservation partners including government agency personnel, non-profit partners, landowners, and university faculty and students to work towards the recovery of rare aquatic species in the Southeast.
• Conducts experiments and gathers data to support rare aquatic species research both in the field and on-site in coordination with ongoing conservation programs.
• Leads field crews to assess conservation status, threats, and ecological preferences of rare aquatic species, as well as fish IBI-monitoring to measure aquatic community health.
• Works with grants team to support research activities in collaboration with other conservation team members and the development department, and coordinates or assists with all grant reporting requirements.
• Supervises summer research fellows, including recruitment of students and coordination of students and other conservation staff.
• Disseminates the results of research to  scientists and non-scientists through publications, presentations, traditional and social media, and outreach  activities.  
• Collaborates with full-time and seasonal conservation staff as well as other departments to maximize research opportunities and conservation efforts across the Aquarium.
• Assists with monitoring and husbandry for reintroduction programs as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining field gear and related supplies. Orders supplies as needed and requested.

Knowledge,  Skill, and Ability Requirements

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Organization and ability to track progress on multiple projects independently and simultaneously.
• Computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications.
• Expertise in aquatic fieldwork and techniques, including backpack electrofishing, seining, snorkeling, and boat operation.
• Expertise in grant proposal writing.

Educational/Experience Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree with 3-5 years of experience in a biological discipline is required. Master of Science degree with 1-2 years of experience, preferred.

License or Certification Requirements

Driver’s license required to operate Aquarium vehicles. 

Supervises

Volunteers, fellows, and seasonal field technicians.

Working  Conditions

• Outdoors in all seasons and conditions for fieldwork activities. 
• Normal office environment.
• Work requires occasional overnight trips to conduct aquatic fieldwork, research and conservation support activities, and to attend various meetings.
• Schedule will require occasional weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday) work.

Physical  Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Move and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as part of regular job duties.
• Ability to safely navigate in and around water environments, including swimming, as required.
• Navigate uneven terrain and dense outdoor environments while handling required gear.
• Ascend and descend ladders and stairs as needed.
• Work in confined or restricted spaces that may require crouching, kneeling, or crawling.

Full-time, hourly ($21 - $27/hour, commensurate with education and experience); Schedule may include holiday, weekend, and/or evening responsibilities as needed.